Mechanisms of Tree Root Plasticity in Alleviating Forest Soil Compaction: A Comprehensive Review

Soil compaction is widespread and can degrade forest soil physicochemical properties, obstruct root growth, threaten soil health and environmental safety, and lower forest productivity. This review first analyzes the main causes of forest soil compaction, which is primarily due to the frequency and intensity of human activity, especially mechanized logging, in forest areas. We summarize the morphological and physiological mechanisms by which soil compaction affects tree root development, analyze positive feedback between roots and soil compaction, and demonstrate that tree roots actively reshape soil particle distribution and pore structure during their growth. We then show how root plasticity holds significant potential for alleviating soil compaction. By clarifying interactions within the tree‐root‐soil‐biological system, we elucidate the key pathways through which tree root growth and development can be leveraged to mitigate soil compaction, which are related to (1) tree root plasticity, (2) root exudates, and (3) symbiotic relationships between tree roots and soil microorganisms. This work also enumerates key scientific questions and proposes future research directions to inform efforts to ameliorate forest soil compaction by leveraging tree root plasticity. Our review advocates for considering the tree‐root‐soil‐biological system as an integrated life community and describes the mechanisms by which the genetic characteristics of different tree species regulate root architecture in compacted soil. Full consideration should be given to how physiological traits, such as root exudation, impact soil microbial communities, with particular focus on the effects of specific microbial taxa and their underlying mechanisms on tree root adaptation to soil compaction.